Cádiz's wing woes: Cala calls for Ontiveros and Ocampo to step up
Juan Cala demands better from Cádiz's underperforming wingers, backing Garitano's tough stance on Ontiveros while addressing Ocampo's contract situation.
Cádiz’s sporting director Juan Cala has thrown his weight behind manager Gaizka Garitano following the controversial omission of Javi Ontiveros, while highlighting the club’s struggles in wide areas this season.
Garitano vs Ontiveros: Club backs manager’s stance
The Andalusian club’s hierarchy has made their position crystal clear - they’re backing Garitano “200%” in his demands for minimum fitness standards from all players. The gaffer’s recent decision to drop Ontiveros from the squad has caused quite a stir around the Nuevo Mirandilla, but Cala isn’t having any of it.
The sporting director acknowledged Ontiveros’ importance, reminding everyone that the Marbella-born winger contributed to 17 goals last season. However, the ball’s firmly in the player’s court now:
- Ontiveros must “take a step forward” professionally
- Club needs him at his best for promotion push
- Garitano insists player isn’t at required fitness levels
It’s a proper Adam and Eve situation - Cádiz need Ontiveros firing on all cylinders if they’re to make a serious push for promotion, but they won’t compromise on their professional standards.
Ocampo’s contract conundrum
Meanwhile, Brian Ocampo presents another headache for the Cadistas. The Uruguayan winger’s contract expires on June 30th, and his season has been a bit of a dog’s dinner - plagued by inconsistency and the lingering effects of a lengthy injury.
Cala confirmed the club maintains ongoing dialogue with Ocampo’s representatives as they navigate this tricky period. They’re desperate for him to rediscover the electric form that made him such a threat in La Liga.
Wing crisis threatens promotion hopes
The lack of consistent quality from the flanks has become one of Cádiz’s most glaring weaknesses this campaign. Cala didn’t mince his words, stating that they desperately “need the best version of Ontiveros and Ocampo” to achieve their goals.
Despite the individual concerns, Cala emphasised that the collective remains paramount - individual brilliance must come with physical sacrifice and team commitment. The sporting director believes the players’ self-criticism will come in time to salvage their promotion ambitions, but the clock is ticking.
For a club that prides itself on fighting spirit, these wing woes couldn’t have come at a worse time in their Segunda División campaign.